Organic agriculture is best known as a farming method where no synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are used. However, this description does not mention the essence of this form of agriculture, which is the holistic management of the farming system. According to the definition of the Codex Alimentarius, "organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It emphasizes the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems. This is accomplished by using, where possible, agronomic, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfil any specific function within the system."
Citrus products labelled as “organic” are those certified as having been produced through clearly defined organic production methods (see glossary). The compliance of the grower with these methods is verified by an independent organization (generally called 'certification body') accredited by an authority (e.g. national authority in the producing or importing country). This survey does not consider fruits that were produced with organic methods but were not certified.
